997S engine in a 3.4 996?

I just spotted an ad over on Pelican, where someone is advertising that they want an engine for a 3.4 996. "Lowflying" posted that he has a 997S engine with 2500 miles on it for $8,000. I was wondering if anybody has ever tried this. I looked into some engine swap possibilities when I rebuilt my first 996. I wasn't sure if my engine had been damaged by the fire department when they hosed down the fire (it was fine). I am, fortunately, not in the market for a new engine. This does seem like an interesting idea for someone that is. I know that other members have swapped a 3.6 engine into a 3.4 996. I have read about companies putting these engines into the Caymen, so why not upgrade a 3.4 996 to a 3.8 996? Is there any reason why this would not work with the appropriate programming and wiring modifications? Could you put the non-egas throttle body on the 3.8 intake, or would you have to swap to egas? For years, guys have hot-rodded their 911s by putting newer, larger engines into them. Is this the next logical step?

Mrk you probably are one of the most experienced (non professional) guys on the forum when it cvomes to taking these machines apart. My guess is that the newer 997 wiring and electronics are even less compatible than 3.4 vs. 3.6. I would think at the end of the day, the franken-engine is not worth time, effort , money. Being a strictly street driver, I would rather have my electricals come from the factory untampered. I wouldn't want a situation like your poor car underwent.

Its been done before, some tuner in FLA has done it... with a cost of $24K+

Wished the Pcar engine swaps info was shared freely like Honda tried and true engine swap upgrades.

Galerie, I understand not wanting to tamper with the factory wiring. It can have disasterous results. I would only consider this, if I was in need of a replacement engine. Redridge, you have the best option currently available for a significant horsepower increase in our car. The idea of about 55 more N/A horsepower (or 81 with the power kit) does appeal to me. I wonder how much the conversion would cost excluding labor and using second hand parts (especialy a $8,000 engine). The local dealer wanted about $25k to repair my iris blue car. The smog aspect would also be an appealing benefit in California. The supercharger is kind of hard to hide. The larger engine wouldn't be a problem. Springgeyser, it sure would be nice to have the information readliy available. There are lots of parts and information available to swap late air-cooled engines into earlier 911s and 914s.

Mark... My guess would be, $12k-$15k (not including labor). From what I remember in the thread of the 3.8 conversion, there was a lot of serious obstacles and custom made parts to be made, but it was the 1st time that tuner has done it... maybe it will be a bit cheaper now. Im sure you can handle it though With that said, the SC has walked away from x51 3.8 at the track easily

There is a guy here in the Rennlist that has this conversion. Not sure of the name, but I have seen him here. Midnight blue 996, if I am not mistaken. C.

When I needed an engine I seriously considered a 3.8 x51. The tuner could do it but all the costs were higher for the engine itself and the amount of additional changes over going with a 3.6. We talked it over at length and stuck to my original budget. The 3.8 project would have been nearly 5k more than I spent on the 3.6. It is easy on the cayman because it essentially is of the same vintage as the 997 so the Motronics, instruments, bus and all supporting systems are compatible. Not so on the early 5.2 Motronics in the 99 cars. E-gas vs cable throttle is one of easiest to overcome. But anything can be overcome with time and $$. With that said, I never hear anyone mention dropping in an engine into a 996 and use an aftermarket ECU such as a haltec or motec? There are a few 996TTs running around with those and are capable of some creative tuning. Just read the other night about a 996 3.4 using a motec and 6 individual throttle bodies vs 1 in a boxster rally car. Guy also converted it to dry sump to. Neat stuff

Thanks for the info Redridge, the SC is the only way to go. Someday... Chad, thanks. Paul, I rember reading about your conversion. Thanks for posting the information. If I was ever faced with needing a new engine, I would seriously consider it. The x51 with 381 hp would sure be fun. I enjoy doing the work myself (with the aid of a friend's hoist). The conversion would be a challenging project. I would have to pay someone to handle the ECU aspect, which I know from previous experience, can get expensive quick.

With that said, the 3.8 is on my wish list for the "next" engine. Hopefully that day will come later than sooner. Oh boy.

Paul, you and I think alike. At least this way, we have something to look forward to if our engines go. This kind of horsepower gain is much easier to justify to the wife than a supercharger.

Mark/Paul, I want to put my 495 hp 3.2L in a MK I aero. If I ever come across an aero with a blown engine, I would like to buy it if the price is right. The 84-89 3.2 is probably the best 911 engine Porsche made (reliability, power handling), on top of the aero being one of the best looking Porsches made IMO. Not sure if the engine/trans will fit between the lower crossmember though. That might be the hardest obstacle.

Cory, your current 911 is a gorgeous car. I have read nothing but good things about the 3.2 engine. Back-dating a 99 996 would definately be a unique project. I bet you are enjoying all that extra power in your current 911...do you have any regrets?

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Yes, the older cars are simply not as nice. The power I love but the niceness I miss. There are some things that are better built on the C3.2 over the 996, but vise-versa. If I could find a aero for like $10 with the motor busted, that would great to make this swap.......not holding my breath though.

Cory, I spotted one in the Los Angeles or San Fransisco Craigslist for about $12,000 that needed engine work.

The cost for the install and engine is not worth it. You'll be better selling the car and getting a used Turbo.

Jetskied, I was only looking at this as a possible option for the guys that have experienced engine failure. If my engine went tomorrow, I would buy the used 997S engine for $8,000 and make it work. The cost of install wouldn't be a problem. I have driven several 996TTs and I actually prefer mine. Now a GT3 would be another story.